Saquon Barkley sounds off on Giants fans burning his jersey in MetLife parking lot

Saquon Barkley wasn’t expecting a warm welcome when he returned to MetLife Stadium on Sunday to face his former team.

However, what he encountered exceeded even his expectations. Now with the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley told Fox that upon arriving in New York, he saw Giants fans burning his jersey in the parking lot before the game.

The hostile reception continued once the game began. As Barkley took the field during the Eagles’ first drive, the stadium was filled with boos from the same fans who once cheered for him. It was clear that there were lingering hard feelings toward their former star.

Saquon Barkley told FOX he saw his jersey being burned on his way into the stadium this morning. https://t.co/cygjV7eKkr

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2024

However, Giants fans aren’t just upset about Barkley joining their division rivals. Many questioned the team’s decision to let him go, with frustrations directed at owner John Mara and general manager Joe Schoen for allowing the star running back to walk in free agency.

A clip from HBO’s Hard Knocks shows Mara admitting that letting Barkley go to a division rival would make it “hard to sleep.”

Barkley reminded the Giants on Sunday why they should’ve paid him, recording the second-highest rushing total of his career.

Saquon Barkley vs. Giants

• 17 carries
• 176 rushing yards
• 10.4 yards/carry
• 2 receptions
• 11 receiving yards

Following the game, Barkley stated that fans burning his jersey motivated him even more.

26 was on fire today in more ways than one 👀 pic.twitter.com/9rQRRwqTjo

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2024

Barkley’s 176 rushing yards were the second-most in NFL history by a player against his former team. Former Bengals RB Cedric Benson ran for 189 yards against the Bears in 2009.

He has also broken the Eagles record for the most rushing yards in the first six games of a season, passing LeSean McCoy who had 630 in 2013.

It’s safe to say Barkley has been well worth the investment for Philadelphia, much to the dismay of Giants fans.

Saquon Barkley is at it again.

📺: #PHIvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/iGCd9x3WWo

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images